William Bell-Purchas

William Bell-Purchas is an elected student representative on Council.

William Bell-Purchas is a current LLB and BA (Political Science and Media Studies) student at Te Herenga Waka.

In his first year of study, William successfully led a campaign to remove the charge for laundry in student accommodation. He worked effectively with the University's leadership to enact change that improved the wellbeing of students.

William has worked for Members of Parliament in research and communications roles and represented former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and his home electorate Mount Albert at Youth Parliament in 2022. From 2022 until mid-2023, William served as co-president of Students 4 Living Wage at Te Herenga Waka.

Through his work and background of successful advocacy, William brings an understanding of how to effect change to Council. He acknowledges that student life can be tough and his priorities therefore reflect this: supporting student wellbeing, fair pay and decent working conditions for staff, and moving further to address climate change and give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

William believes that Wellington is a beautiful place to live and study, and Te Herenga Waka has an important role to play in providing an excellent education and supporting its community, but also as a voice for its values in Aotearoa's political landscape.

Current term

1 January 2024–31 December 2025

Number of previous terms

None